deia876lat

Jewel of the Skies

I have used discord before, though not for long...but from what I know it works more as a chat. So one on one reactions it is ideal. The problem is usually the hours one is online. Also you would have to save the chats into a document, which isn't a problem, but needs cleaning up afterwards.

Jewel of the Skies

He looked at Eilis and slowly and a bit embarrassedly he said. “Um, normally refugees are housed in public housing. But those are cramped quarters and though they are better than living in the streets I would not like you living there.” He cleared his throat to suppress his embarrassment.

“Please forgive my forwardness but…um, if you don’t mind. I would be able to secure an apartment in the city…” He immediately added as he leaned quickly forward to assure her of his intentions. “It would be for you only as I live in the barracks you see.” He rushed through the words his own tanned face starting to feel a bit warm.

“If you have other plans I understand. But if you would allow me this honor, it would be extremely helpful in allowing me to keep my word to you to protect you and neve leave you alone. What do you think?” He asked, almost holding his breath as he waited for her response.

Eilis looked up puzzled at him.
"But...I..." She looked a bit nervous at this proposal and felt silly for bringing this up, but she saw no other way around it. She would have to confess it.
"I'm not used to living alone...I don't exactly feel comfortable." She said now blushing out of embarassment. "I know its ridiculous, but we used to sleep with 4 people in a small room. I don't like being alone anymore. But I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful...just...I can only accept if you would be there too." She uttered as her fingers started fidgeting, before she forced them to stop by entwining them and twiddling with her thumbs instead.
"I know I'm more trouble than I am worth..." She said with a sigh, before a knock shook them both out of their conversation.

There stood the red armoured silverhaired knight, holding a tray with two plates as he entered.
"Forgive me for eavesdropping, but I might have a solution for that." Tyrhallan offered as he closed the door behind him.
"She could stay at the estate in the City. I know my mother would enjoy a new 'project'." he said with a smile. "She'll enjoy that, plus you can be assured that she will be well taken care of....She'd stay as a guest ofcourse." Tyrhallan stated as he stepped closer to the two setting the tray on one of the sidetables.

"Also, it would be my apology for taking you out of the Shooting Stars without discussing it with you first." He said turning to Arn seriously. "And I do apologise, but we both know Evander would have court martialled you. We both know he's the petty kind that wouldn't stop with your unhappiness, he'd make sure you'd be ruined. Which would be a waste. A waste we might not be able to afford, hence my acting without your knowledge or permission." He said looking sternly at Arn bracing himself for the possible anger that might follow his confession.

Eilis looked from Tyrhallan to Arn, wondering exactly what this might mean, but she assumed that if she waited a little longer she would come to understand what the two men were speaking off.

"Anyway grab a bite to eat, you both need your strength right now to recover." He said gesturing to the tray.

Jewel of the Skies

(Continue from Broken Skies)

Broken Skies

Begrudgingly Eilis nodded in agreement, knowing Arn was right about his quick recovery being suspicious. Also she had been careful not to give too much of her own energy which was still recovering.
As he took her chin and lifted her head up to meet his gaze she couldn't help cast her eyes down as a red tinge of a blush crept onto her cheeks. She tried to swallow her embarrasment away.
As the blush spread to tips of her ears she knew she had to say something.
"I'm sorry Arn...I wish I could be more helpful." She mumbled softly feeling awkward. She wasn't exactly used to men...when her blindness had struck her she had been comforted by the darkness in a sense. Can't worry over what one sees or looking at someone too long when you can't see.
But now that her sight was slowly returning she realized suddenly how close they actually were and for someone with hardly any male contact safe for her father and some nasty Battlemage, she suddenly had become very aware of Arn. Sure he still was quite a blur to her, but the tender touch from calloused hands, his muscled frame and his voice had all started to influence her mind. She might had been an innocent, but that didn't mean she was an idiot.
She had read the more romantic works aswell, about starcrossed lovers and sacrifice and one particular little story that had been rather...'educational'. Truly the first time she had discovered it tucked away in some other thick tome.
What that tome had been about she couldn't recall, but the smaller book had been very interesting and very instructive. She had been beetred when she had gotten to the more explicit part of the book. Sure they had been basic drawings, but one did not need much imagination in how the actual act went. The writer had been anonymous for good reason, Eilis thought, before drifting back to the man in front of her.
Her eyes flicked up and back down.
She was quite sure he was smiling, hopefully he hadn't perceived her embarassment yet.
"I'm not much of a mystery...just unlucky...safe for meeting you." She said.
"Arn, where...where I am supposed to go?" She asked softly.

Broken Skies

She looked up hopeful at his words, but turned the palms of her hands upward, staring at her hands and the bits of tattoo she could see, before her jaw tightened and a slight tremble followed through showing itself in her hands as she squeezed them tight for a moment.
"Thank you Arn, eventhough I can't really believe what you say, I know I put you in a bad spot because I asked for your opinion, with having little real confidence in a satisfying answer." She told him truthfully before she sighed.
"Right...I suppose I should help you healing." She whispered as she placed a hand on his side.
"Close your eyes Arn...I can't do this with you staring at me." Eilis said with a teasing smile before she lifted his shirt up, letting of a soft 'tsk'.
"Arn, why didn't you say anything?" She said as he fingers felt their around his side wounds and stitchings. "Now, hold still." She more or less ordered him with a stern but gentle voice as she exhaled and a soft glow emitted from her fingers. It was a fine line she had to walk, slowly she increased her magic trying to keep her tattoo's from activating, whilst at the same time transfer some aid to Arn's own abilities to heal. Slowly Arn would be able to feel a new kind of warmth. He would be able to see the magical layer, the connection passing through them. However Eilis too much of a chance and the response was instant. She reacted as if she was being slapped or stung, the tattoo's flared and crackled, making Eilis wince and adjust instantly.
"I'm all right. Let me do this for you." She told him.

Broken Skies

“You are right in both accounts. It is no secret that Captain Evander had it in for Master Arn. The fool thinks that there is this big plot brewing to embarrass him and seize control of the Shooting Stars. He has been looking for any excuse to send him to Court Martial. We both know that if that happens, it will not be a fair trail. A lowly noble he might be but Evander is still a noble. No offense.”
The young man paused wanting to see if Lord Venray would come to the aid of a fellow noble.

"None taken." The Knight Captain calmly replied. "I am well aware of the behaviour of some of the other nobles. Let us just say that I can't challenge them all to duels or there would be none left." He said with a teasing smile, before growing more serious again. "It is a sad state of affairs and a disgrace to hear and see some of the others blatantly abuse their power and take their own ill will out on the poor folk that find themselves in their line of sight."

A few seconds passed and he continued, this time in an apologetic tone. “Regarding the young miss. I fear that I am not at liberty to say. But if Master Arn trust you as I think he does, the only reason he may not say anything is because he has given his word. He may not be a knight or of high birth but his word is his bond.” This last part was said a bit forceful as if to prevent or squash any comment to the contrary.
“All I will say is that I have never seen the man act the way he does. He may need help in the arena from somebody who is probably used to being around the female members of our society.” The young man offered a wink after his playful comment. But perhaps he was not too far off. Almost every member of the Shooting Stars knew that Arn had never even spoken to another female other than professionally.
"I never doubted him or you for having your reasons, but you asked me to explain my reasons for taking your master away from Evander. This is not out of distrust, but because I need to factor in possible consequences. To be prepared for the what if scenario's." He explained before he smiled wryly, as if he suddenly tasted something sour.
"I have had 'some' run ins with the fairer sex, though truth be told they are well aware of me. Half the mother's want me to marry their daughters, women with no sense, no inkling or thought of their own. No ambitions safe being a direct replica of their mother." He shuddered. "Besides that the woman I take for a wife has to run the estate, as you stated most nobles are less than 'civil' and I would not hand over the reins of the estate to some vain jealous harpy." He chuckled. "I might disappoint the family by marrying the kitchenmaid. Just to spite all those over-eager socialclimbers."

Tobi was caught by surprise by the offering of the stone. He took it in his hand and looked at it. He turned it over a couple of times and traced the V etched into he stone. A look of puzzlement could be easily seen. Not wanting to cause any sort of embarrassment or affront he said in a almost confused tone. “Thank you?”

The young mage place the stone in his pocket. He was taking another bite when he noticed a familiar face in the crowd behind Tyrhallan. The young mage raised his hand and waved until he caught the attention of the other young lad, a Novice by the name of Lornian Carver. The flushed face showed he had been perhaps running. This was further confirmed by his gasps as he reached the table.
“Huff huff. Where…the huff Hell have you been Tobi? Huff… Evander wants….your..huff ass. No, no, I huff mean he wants you …back now.” The young lad huffed away. Lornian was a bit on the chubby side and the strain has obviously been taxing.
Tobi chuckled.
“Catch your breath boy before you faint. Here have something to drink”. The other pushed the cup away.
“I..think huff he is serious Tobi we have to go”. Turning he suddenly caught sight of Tyrhallan and his eyes grew wider as he caught sight of the emblem in the chest of the man. He managed a stuttering “Pardon..my interruption Knight Captain..I I.”
Tobi placed a hand on the lad.
“Its ok, relax Lorni. Captain Venray will not bite. He might give you a few days in the brig for the offense of not introducing yourself first but no more than a few days.”
The other boy’s face turned pale and worried eyes regarded Tobi.
“Relax man, I am just playing.”
Tobi then turned to the silver haired lord.
“Please excuse me Captain Venray. I enjoyed your company and your meal. It appears I am summoned though. Please take care of Master Arn.” A questioning look started to form on Lornian’s face but Tobi just pushed the lad forward. “I’ll tell you later come on before Evander pops a vein and we have to clean up the mess.”
Lorni managed a stuttering “Excuse us."

Tyrhallan watched the whole ordeal curiously, listening to the conversation and simply shaking his head as a 'no' as Lorni apologised.
As the two excused themselves he watched them go. Uttering a final phrase before cleaning up.
"Stay alive boys."

Broken Skies

Eilis smiled as tears filled her eyes in gratitude at his words.
With a soft slight tremble in her voice, now having found a little more courage and a little more daring she sighed in relief.
"Arn...I have to ask...since I..." She looked away in shame and doubt and balled her free hand into a fist out of frustration at her own insecurities.
"Arn...how bad is it? Am I really hideous?" She asked though she barely managed to force herself to say it. She had felt her tattoo's and she had caught flashes of her image in pools of water, but none had been a clear mirror for her to see the damage done to her. Sure she saw the lines she could see, but those on her face and back...those she hadn't seen.
She had scrubbed so hard that first night in her new freedom, so desperate had seen been to rid herself of them. When they proved impossible to erase she had cried herself silently to sleep, after that came the acception. Whenever people caught a glimpse of her they turned away, with clear distrust and disgust written in her eyes.
"I know I must look aweful. I just want to know the truth...so please don't lie." She pleaded softly looking back at him with resigned eyes.

Broken Skies

“Very well Cap, you may call me Tobi. My dad was the true Tailor, I just carry the name.”
Tyrhallan nodded at the young mage.
"Do not dismiss yourself so easily. You are your family's namebearer, the family line and name will continue because of you, whether or not you consider yourself worthy of it." He offered as they sought for a place to sit. Finding one soon enough he joined the young mage at the table, setting out everything to its rightful place. Even simply pleasures and as display and napkins were a few of the rituals that made life and war more easy to bear. Folding his hands he took a moment of silence and contemplation before making the ritualistic gesture touching his forehead and moving the hand up and down.
"As above, So Below." Was the soft murmur that followed before he picked up his cutlerly and started eating.
There was a clear difference in table ettiquete between the two, but Tyrhallan never sought to tell other people how to live their lives in their 'off duty' moments. Nevertheless had after a while his troops started to mimic some of Tyrhallan's behaviour and if the Captain joined them at the same moment they all waiting until his regular blessing passed his lips. Everyone sat a little straighter, cutlerly was held more properly and no knives were licked off for the sake of getting everything.
Tyrhallan had been asked by others how he had managed that ragtag bunch of hardheads to 'straighten up' and he had simply told those that inquired the truth. That a good example set by a superior and consistency made others follow suit.
It was why those who 'paid their way' to get in annoyed the hell out of Tyrhallan.
That was not the Venray way.
One had to be able to relate through experience to understand those he was supposed to lead. He had done the same menial tasks as mopping, cleaning, drilling all that he asked of his Knights he himself had done or would do without batting an eye.
Taking his time enjoying his meal Tobias suddenly struck up conversation again.

“I read in a book that leadership is the ability to inspire others to surpass their own limitations and often even surpass those that are currently in leadership.” He stopped measuring up Tyrhallan with eyes that suddenly seemed older than the young face betrayed.
“I agree with you that the King is a great leader. Not because he called us to action but because even if he is to die, he cemented in our minds a last image of him that will enable those surviving to continue the fight.” He took another bite of a red fruit which was soft, sweet and also acidy.
“This is how we feel about Master Mage Arn. Many in the Shooting Stars consider him a hero. To us he is what a battle mage should be. I follow him into battle again and again not because he is a master but because he inspires me to do my best.” His voice was soft and respectful.
“I have to ask Cap. Other than pissing Captain Evander off, why did you request Master Mage Arn’s transfer?” The young man’s eyes were narrowed. It was not that he did not trust Tyrhallan but in a sense, he felt the man was taking something valuable from them.
“Sure the Master Mage is some heavy fire power and can cause quite some damage on the battle field. But so can a heavy pulse cannon and I reckon the cannon will be easier to handle.” He sighed. “If you have not discussed this decision with him, you may find he does not like others to make choices for him. Just ask Captain Evander.” A slight smirk appeared on the boy’s face.
“You appear to be an honorable man. So I am sure your reasoning is good but I guess I feel a bit protective of the Master Mage.” Tobi shrugged and put more food in his mouth.

"You seem to have misinterpreted my intentions young master Tobias." He said after he finished and swallowed his mouthful.
"First and foremost leadership is more then inspiring people. Whilst there are many views on it, I believe that leadership is Duty. Responsibility and Respect whether for themselves as for others. Great leaders have the capacity to transfer vision into reality." He sighed.
"I am no more honourable than you or sir Arn. I have however always told myself that my power and my position should be used to aid those who otherwise will be overlooked or discarded. It is why I chose to be a Knight first and then a Lord. Whilst I am loyal to the King and Queen and I will defend them at the cost of my own life, I just wished that they had not withdrawn so from the common people...a good Lord must know his subjects and their struggles, just as a good leader should the strengths and weaknesses of his men." He said a he took another bite.
"Appearing now in full regalia is a powerfull message, but I believe it would have been a stronger message and carried wider if he had gone amongst the commoners, would be able to look them in the eye and tell them of the dangers that lie on our doorstep." He frowned before he shook his head. "Don't mind me. Fancies of a dutiful Knight I suppose." He added with a sad undertone.

"As for Sir Arn I chose to set him free from Evander and true I did not seek his approval before doing so and he may fault me for that, but I also am no fool. Evander despises him. In the end he would have taken it out of Sir Arn one way or another. Also, I believe that Ser Arn has cleaned up enough of his mess, fixing his poor leadership. The sooner that comes to light the better. Hopefully...before too many souls lose their lives..." He said with a stern grimace.
"I chose to take him away from Evander, not out of spite or to rob you of your 'true Captain', but because I believe he needs room to move. Room that if I know Evander well enough he would not wish to give him. Though it is commendable and speaks highly of you that you dare breach the subject with me on it. It shows your high regard for Sir Arn and such behaviour I can only applaud." A heavy sigh followed, his rainbow coloured eyes darkened as he stared at young Tobi.
"I also believe there is more to this young woman. My instincts and gut are telling me there is more to trouble concerning her, despite what Arn said she is no 'mere refugee'." He took a sip from his glass of water. "I'm not sure what it is, but something puts me on edge. I am also quite certain that Evander would have demanded to interrogate her. I figured I would spare her such harsh treatment and Arn such troubles." He said finishing his food and drink placing the glass down with a little more force to emphasize his point. He then dabbed the corners of his mouth giving Tobias a long calculating look.
"Young Master Tailor, should you ever have need of it... you may come to me for help. Whilst I am not all powerful, know I would not turn you away." He offered as he took another stone from a pouch he carried on his belt before he placed it on the table and pushed it towards the young mage. It was a similar stone to what Arn had received, but this one was a bit more plain, still the V was carved into the stone and it had been sanded to a smooth surface.

Broken Skies

“Eilis, all my life I have had a simple reason to live. I felt that I needed a reason to be alive. I felt that by being useful my life was not a waste. However, I did not know that I actually needed someone to live that life with. I am glad you are still here and that I got to meet you. This world would have lost too much with you gone.” He squeezed her hand.

"Oh I don't know about that...The world was fine before I was born and I have no doubt it will continue just fine without me." Eilis said rather self-deprecatingly. She looked down at his hand as he squeezed hers. Her smile returning at the gentle and kind gesture. This man had the strange capacity of making her feel good about herself.
Maybe it was the fact that he was frankly one of the few who was consistent in his regard for her and treated her with actual decency and kindness.
If there were hidden motives behind his actions, they weren't malign. So she further silences that ever doubting voice inside her head.

“I will be by your side as I have already promised. It will be my honor to be your shield. Not as a disposable item but as a reason for my existence. I ask that you allow me this. I ask that you live this life with me?”
He held his breath awaiting her response.

Eilis listened to his words, his voice and his reponse. Whether it was the slight choked sound to indicate his carefulness or uncertainty in how to respond or the fact that he had held his breath at the end of it, made Eilis worry she had upset Arn somehow.
She raised her hand and placed it over his chest.
"Breathe Arn." She requested before she took his hand in hers again, a thing she had done earlier but this time she placed it over her heart.
"I'd rather not have you refering to yourself as a shield, so how about this? Bow and Arrow, if you must use a weaponry analogy." She spoke teasingly, as she looked up at him with a glint of misschief in her eyes, the corners of her lips slightly upturned.
"For one is not complete without the other, depends on the other and if I may ask so selfishly cannot find its way without the other guiding it. And your light is guiding me through a dark maze I could not manage to overcome on my own." She cast her eyes down again.
"I still doubt whether or not I am doing you wrong by tainting you with association, but I can't do this on my own..." She frowned.
"All I wanted was a quiet simple life, it seems Fate has decided differently, but thankfully it allowed me to meet you." She stated looking at him again with a look of hope. "I want to stay with you. I feel safe with you. I trust you....gods I sound like a child." She chastized herself before wondering something.
Did he see her as one? A helpless child in need of protection? Not that she could blame him, she hadn't exactly offered him anything remotely resembling a woman's ettiquete in being proper and demure. She had been as inconsistent as the weather, Arn probably thought she was unpredictable.
And she was hardly a prize, tattoed from head to toe, some plain refugee with a bunch of mad Tahjai after her. She was more trouble than she was worth and that was her own evaluation. She wondered what Arn saw in her that made him so invested.
No, she knew, she had felt it too. Their connection. His innerflame, the light of his soul touching hers, warming her.
"Forgive me, but I can't seem to let you go." She whispered before she leaned forward and closed her eyes placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.